Toyota has given a ‘strong glimpse’ as to what its next-generation C-HR crossover will look like with the reveal of a new concept car.
The C-HR has been a hugely important model for Toyota, helping to introduce a bolder design direction for the firm at its launch in 2016, with its coupe-like styling continuing to prove popular with buyers.
Toyota says it didn’t want to break too far from the mould with the new C-HR, but rather make a ‘bold car, even bolder’. Offering a clear link to the current model, as well as the recently-revealed electric bZ compact SUV concept, this C-HR Prologue – as Toyota calls it – gets a striking ‘hammerhead’ front end design, with this sort of aesthetic set to be rolled out on future Toyota models. Highlights include a concaving grille and thin LED headlights.
Striking wraparound front LED lighting is likely to enter production, while Toyota is looking to extend the two-tone paint finish across the rear three-quarter area of the C-HR, similar to that of the Aygo X. Lance Scott, design director of Toyota’s European design centre, hinted that the three-tone paint finish – incorporating orange on the spoiler and rear diffuser – could be something seen on a special or launch edition C-HR in the future.
Toyota is remaining committed to hybrid technology with its C-HR, with the crossover set to be sold as both a ‘self-charging’ setup and a new plug-in hybrid – the latter being part of its growing PHEV line-up. This plug-in C-HR’s battery will also be the first to be produced at a European plant.
“This is a strong indication of what’s to come next. Just like the Aygo X Prologue, this previews what the next-generation C-HR will look like.”
Further information about the new C-HR is expected to be announced in the run-up to its reveal next year.
